Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 11: Tibet House US honoured Hollywood actor and longtime supporter of the Tibetan cause Michael Douglas, alongside its co-founder Birgitte “Nena” Thurman and the late Robert A.F. Thurman, with the 2026 Art of Freedom Lifetime Achievement Awards at a gala ceremony in New York on November 4.
Douglas, 82, received the award in recognition of his longstanding support for the Tibetan cause and his humanitarian advocacy. He attended the ceremony with his children, Dylan and Carys.
Nena Thurman and her late husband, Robert A.F. Thurman, were also honoured for their foundational contributions to Tibetan culture, Buddhist scholarship and advocacy. Robert Thurman, a prominent scholar of Tibetan Buddhism and a longstanding advocate for Tibet, received the recognition posthumously.
The awards recognise the contributions of individuals who have supported Tibet and helped preserve and promote its cultural and spiritual heritage. Through their respective work, the three honourees have contributed to raising awareness of Tibetan issues and sustaining international interest in Tibetan culture and Buddhist traditions.
Founded in 1987 at the request of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tibet House US serves as a centre for the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilisation, culture and Buddhist heritage. The organisation advances this mission through educational programmes, cultural events, exhibitions and initiatives introducing Tibetan traditions to wider audiences.
The annual Art of Freedom recognition highlights individuals whose work and contributions reflect the organisation’s commitment to preserving Tibet’s cultural heritage and promoting greater awareness of the Tibetan cause.
